Primary vs. Secondary Sources and Analyzing FDR's Inaugural Address

Primary vs. Secondary Sources

Primary Sources

• A primary source is a document or artifact created by someone who directly experienced an event.
• Examples:
  • Photographs from a political rally.
  • Diaries of individuals involved in historical movements (e.g., women's rights).
  • Speeches.
  • Oral history conversations.
  • Everyday items like shopping lists, which can reveal consumption habits.
• Primary sources provide firsthand accounts and insights into the thoughts and perspectives of people who lived during a specific time.

Secondary Sources

• A secondary source is an interpretation of primary sources.
• Historians analyze primary sources to develop their own interpretations of events.
• A secondary source reflects the historian's perspective and interests, which may differ from those of other historians.
• Secondary sources offer interpretations but lack the direct experience of primary sources.
• It's essential to approach all sources, primary and secondary, with a critical eye, recognizing potential biases and perspectives.

Analyzing Roosevelt's Inaugural Address

Identification

• The speech was delivered by Franklin Delano Roosevelt on March 4, 1933, during his inauguration as President.
• The location was Washington, D.C.
• The speech served as an inaugural address, a traditional address made by presidents when they take office.

Context

• The United States was in the midst of the Great Depression, which had been ongoing for four years.
• Prohibition was still in effect, with the sale and transport of alcohol illegal.
• Unemployment was widespread, and the Dust Bowl was causing significant agricultural and economic disruption.
• The nation was facing both economic and emotional depression.

Speech Content

• Roosevelt acknowledged the severity of the situation, emphasizing the need for honesty and candor in addressing the challenges.
• He highlighted the importance of national unity and a collective will to overcome the depression.
• Roosevelt's approach involved frankness, vigor, and the New Deal policies to address the problems facing the nation.
• He famously stated, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
  • This statement aimed to address the panic and loss of confidence that contributed to the economic crisis.
  • The stock market's reliance on confidence rather than strict supply and demand was identified as a factor in the depression.
  • The collapse of global banking was linked to widespread panic and withdrawals from banks.
• Roosevelt sought to prevent further panic and encourage national support for his policies to turn "retreat into an advance."